Endodontic Retreatment

Why do I need another endodontic procedure?

As occasionally happens with any dental or medical procedure, a tooth may not heal as expected after initial treatment for a variety of reasons:

Narrow or curved canals were not treated during the initial procedure.

Complicated canal anatomy went undetected in the first procedure.

The crown or other restoration was not placed soon enough after the procedure.

The restoration did not prevent saliva from contaminating the inside of the tooth.

In other cases, a new problem can jeopardize a tooth that was successfully treated. For example:

New decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection in the tooth.

A loose, cracked, or broken crown or filling can expose the tooth to new infection.

After cleaning the canal(s), the endodontist will fill and seal the canal(s) and place a temporary filling in the tooth.* A post space may also be prepared at this time.

After the final visit with your endodontist, you will need to return to your dentist as soon as possible to have a new crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.

*If the canals are unusually narrow or blocked, your endodontist may recommend endodontic surgery. This surgery involves making an incision near the end of the root to allow the tip of the root to be sealed.